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A healthy relationship with yourself enables you to do good for others and handle life's necessities. Personal maintenance can be challenging to sustain when you're low on funds. Still, effective self-care doesn't have to be exorbitant or elaborate. Apply the following methods to take care of yourself.
You probably realize that you can't agree to everything, but you may have difficulty saying "no" in practice. Teach yourself that declining requests is not necessarily a negative thing. Anyone who takes offense at a polite refusal may be toxic, and you should consider cutting those people out of your life.
Define healthy boundaries for yourself and express those to your friends and associates respectfully but firmly. Rehearse what you will say ahead of time to keep your confidence and composure.
You need rest to restore energy, preserve problem-solving abilities, and maintain concentration. Studies show that even the most basic daily tasks are impaired by sleep loss, and the effects can be as detrimental as intoxication. Schedule at least six hours of sleep every night, although about eight hours is optimal for most people.
Rest is not limited to sleep. You should plan for breaks throughout the day to recuperate and recharge. Whether slumbering in your bed, relaxing on the sofa, or taking a break in your office chair, a comfortable pillow or cushion allows you to revitalize without discomfort. VJ Pillow has a magnificent buying guide to help you discover quality cushions for sleeping and lounging so that you can relax ergonomically.
If money anxiety results from careless spending, look for ways to reduce stress by cutting costs. Buying in bulk can be very cost-effective when planned well. Eliminate unnecessary expenses like cable and extra subscriptions. Consider refinancing your home, which can lower your mortgage payment.
Discipline yourself to avoid abusing credit by freezing your cards and moving to the envelope budgeting system. Paying cash for everything and watching where every physical dollar goes helps you place a higher value on your money and make better decisions.
You likely can't unplug completely, but you can refresh your brain by taking periodic breaks away from technology. Schedule time away from screens and step outside or read from a physical book. You can encourage yourself using a digital wellness app that reminds you of predetermined limits.
Scents are a wonderful way to put yourself in a better mood. The right odors can stimulate your mind, jog your memory, and help you relax. Essential oils can be carried and whiffed during stressful moments to calm you down. Incense sticks in the home can induce a soothing and meditative mood at the end of the day.
Stretching helps you to stay mobile and ready for action. Too much sitting can cause tight muscles and injury when you engage in physical activities. Take a break every couple of hours during the day to stretch and keep your body limber. Pay close attention to your neck, shoulders, and lower back, which can become problem areas as you age.
Self-care isn't selfish. Just like putting your oxygen mask on before you help the person next to you on a plane, making the time and effort for personal attention is essential to a balanced life that can benefit others. Keep searching for free and inexpensive self-care ideas that help you be your best.